2013 20/20 Vision Campaign Celebration Event

The audience sat in rapt attention as first Marsha Banks, a BHA graduate, then Leah Miller, a BHA participant, took the stage and told their story. They were poignant moments, but not the only highlights in a gathering that where many of the 250+ supporters left with smiles…and not a few auction items in hand.

Leah (right, top), a communications major at HACC stood to give a testimony of her struggle with sacrifice and resistance to BHA’s Jobs for Life program, realizing part-way through how valuable it really was. Speaking at times for her classmates and fellow BHA moms, she recounted how new it was to consider herself a professional woman and honor God’s call for her vocation and self-respecting choices.

Marsha (right, bottom), a graduate of BHA more than ten years ago, recounted her struggle with being a mother of eight children, being addicted to drugs and a dead-end lifestyle. She is now helping moms coming out of prison, not unlike herself, to get on their own feet in a nonprofit organization she founded.

Amidst these stories were myriad other praises. State Representative Patty Kim, United Way Volunteer Coordinator Heidi Neuhaus and Susquehanna Bank executive Jewel Cooper all offered praise for the work they’ve also supported at Brethren Housing Association.

The evening was much more than enthused speakers. It was also a lively reception and auction, raising money for BHA’s work. And in it, Executive Director Steve Schwartz announced some big news, how BHA is already going beyond the 20/20 Vision Campaign it began in 2010. Three new projects are already in the pipeline, taking BHA’s work across Hummel Street and expanding our capacity to roll back homeless and blight in Harrisburg. Stay tuned for more details.

Stories of renewal. New projects announced. And so far, over $46,000 raised from sponsors, auction purchases and generous supporters. A lot happened at the October 29 Campaign Celebration. And we have many to be thankful for including our Celebration Committee and Sponsors!

Advocate Sponsors

More than $46,000 was raised from sponsors, donors and attendees, and checks are still coming in. Will we hit $50,000? You can still contribute to BHA and the Campaign Celebration, just click here to make a donation.